Leadership training a perceived threat in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe (MNN) ― Zimbabwe has been struggling for over a decade. Under current president Robert Mugabe's rule, the people have struggled with recession. That has led to an out-of-control economic collapse, 80% unemployment, and more.
However, Christian World Outreach is making a difference by providing leadership training, which is craved by many. "They're eager to hear and to learn. There's a great demand for the seminars. But what's probably held us back is the financial means to hold more seminars," says CWO's Greg Yoder.

Yoder says, "Since 2001, we've been holding leadership training with pastors from the churches and lay leaders. Since then, we've had 4,000 pastors from 50 different churches go through the training."

The training happens monthly, and not without opposition. "Any time groups meet, there's always suspicion. We get 40-50 pastors together, and there can rise the suspicion of something going on -- anti-government meetings, or something like that. There is the political unrest. We've had to postpone or cancel leadership seminars because they can't gather together in groups."

The reality is: this training could change a nation, says Yoder. "As they do the leadership development, Christian men and women will rise and be a part of the solution for Zimbabwe, and they'll be involved in their communities--even in their local government."

There's another reason for biblical training: "Islam is making inroads there. So the stronger we can help the church become, the better for advancement of the Gospel."

While funding is a desperate need, Yoder is asking people to pray for safety. "Pray that we'll be able to hold the seminar and that God will provide the needed funds."

CLA Offers America's Top Christian Nonprofit Fundraising and Financial Management Academy

Contact: W. Scott Brown, Christian Leadership Alliance, 703-597-8413

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., Aug. 15, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- Christian Leadership Alliance (CLA) announced today that David Dahlin, executive vice president, Compassion International and Wes Willmer, senior vice president, Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) will offer keynote dinner addresses during CLAs 2011 Christian Nonprofit Leadership Academy, Denver, Sept. 20 - 23 at the Denver Renaissance Hotel. (www.ChristianLeadershipAlliance.org/Academy) 

The Christian Nonprofit Leadership Academy offers in-depth courses in fundraising and financial management for Christian nonprofit organization leaders. The 20, 10-hour courses offered at this Academy provide insights into best practices for fundraising in today's economy, as well as guidance on how ministry leaders can achieve excellence in financial management.

"We're pleased that David Dahlin and Wes Willmer will be sharing insights with nonprofit leaders at the Christian Nonprofit Leadership Academy. Compassion International and ECFA are among the leading organizations in the Christian nonprofit world," said Mark L. Vincent, Acting CLA president and CEO. "Our coursework is excellent as well. Our faculty has collectively raised hundreds of millions of dollars for Christian ministries nationwide, and has helped manage finances for some of the most recognized and well-respected ministries in America."

"Our goal is to equip steward leaders who raise and manage funds in a biblical way," said Vincent. "We're innovators. Whether it's harnessing social media, evaluating up-to-date demographic trends or implementing new ideas, CLA is focused on helping ministries excel."

The courses offered in the fundraising track include: Fundraising Planning in a New Economy, Major Donor Development, Social Media Strategies, Donor Perceptions, Donor Engagement in a 2.0 World, Capital Campaign Strategies, Dynamic Direct Response Strategies and more. The courses offered in the financial management track include: Introduction to Risk Management for Nonprofit Organizations, Investment Policies and Strategies in a Changing Economy, Tax and Legal Issues for Christian Nonprofits and more. 

Christian Leadership Alliance (CLA) is a national association representing more than 6,000 individuals, from nearly 4,500 Christian nonprofit organizations nationwide. For more news and information, visit CLA's website,www.ChristianLeadershipAlliance.org. To learn more about CLA's Christian Nonprofit Leadership Academy visitwww.ChristianLeadershipAlliance.org/Academy.

Passing the baton of CEO

Ken Hall (left) will be retiring as
 CEO at Buckner, effective April,
 2011. (Photo courtesy of Buckner
 International)

USA (MNN) ― Chief executive officer Ken Hall will be passing the baton after 18 years of dedicated service toBuckner International.

Hall announced his retirement in a meeting of Buckner's board of trustees last Friday, July 22. He will officially retire April 30, 2012.

When Hall first came to a position of leadership with Buckner International in 1993, he filled the roles of both CEO and President up until 2010. At that time, he relinquished the position of President and continued on as CEO.

While at the helm of leadership at Buckner, Hall oversaw some of the organization's greatest expansion. He broadened their ministry outreach beyond American borders, launching their international branches in 1996.

Hall oversaw $200 million worth of capital improvements to Buckner's organization. In 2008, the amount of Buckner endowments topped $200 million.

Another incredible way God used Hall's leadership at Buckner was through the growth of Buckner Retirement Services (BRS). According to Ziegler and Company, BRS today holds the place of the largest non-profit organization for senior living in the state of Texas where Buckner is based.

To date, Buckner now has assets amounting to a value of $400 million. Under Hall, Buckner was able to serve more than 400,000 people yearly because of their expanded ministries.

Stepping up to take Hall's place as CEO will be President Albert Reyes. Reyes was elected President of Buckner International back in 2010 and will act as both CEO and President following Hall's retirement.

Reyes is very capable of filling the vacant role and has a history of succeeding Hall as he was the one to step into Hall's old position of President in 2010 as well.

Reyes holds two doctorate degrees and has served as a pastor of three churches and President of Baptist University of the Américas in San Antonio.

Buckner's Board Chair Lee Bush says the leadership transition "exemplifies the way Christian ministries should operate. Buckner has been blessed for 132 years with outstanding leaders, and both Dr. Hall and Dr. Reyes personify that leadership."

The ministry will continue on in their mission to be the healing hands of Christ to impoverished and abused children and families across the globe. Hall sought to keep the ministry centered on God's call to reach others in His name. Reyes will also continue in that vision as Buckner exists for Christ's glory.